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Two men have been charged following an altercation at the Brookwood Secure Facility in Claverack on Wednesday (September 10). The incident occurred around 5:20 p.m. and involved three incarcerated individuals, including an 18-year-old victim who sustained facial lacerations and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
According to New York State Police, Malachi Simms, 19, and Richard Avila, 20, were arrested and face multiple charges. Simms is charged with first-degree attempted assault, two counts of first-degree knowingly making or possessing dangerous contraband in prison, and two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon due to a previous conviction. Avila faces charges of second-degree assault, first-degree knowingly making or possessing dangerous contraband in prison, and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon due to a previous conviction.
Both individuals have been remanded to Columbia County Jail and are scheduled to appear in court on September 16. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety and security within the facility.